Training Mat, Arrangement of Training Mats, Use of One or More Training Mats

ABSTRACT

A training mat ( 1 ) comprising an integrally expanded plastics material, in particular consisting of a polyurethane, with a support surface ( 2 ), a standing surface ( 3 ) and a plurality of side surfaces ( 4, 4′, 4″, 4′″ ), wherein a cross-sectional surface ( 5 ) perpendicular to the support surface ( 2 ) is configured approximately in a wedge-shaped manner.

The present invention relates to a training mat, an arrangement of training mats, and a use of one or more training mats, according to the preambles of the independent claims.

Various training mats are known from the prior art.

For example, WO 2008/087594 A1 discloses a fitness and therapy mat for standing and walking This mat is flat, soft and elastic, such that it allows a person to stand and walk on the mat in a way that does not cause fatigue and that is gentle on the joints.

US 2009/0192028 A1 discloses a yoga mat which, in particular for various yoga exercises, simplifies posture and allows longer periods of exercise by virtue of a more comfortable posture. This mat has a wedge-shaped cross section and can be combined to give different shapes.

DE 297 10 709 U1 discloses a seat wedge which serves in particular for comfortable sitting and for improving the posture when sitting. This seat wedge is made from multiple layers of different foam materials and is accordingly expensive to produce. The seat wedge has a lower layer that is made from a harder material than the top layer.

All of the known mats have the disadvantage that either they cannot be used in everyday situations or they do not allow muscle relaxation with a simultaneous training effect to the extent desired.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a training mat is to be made available which, on the one hand, can be used in everyday situations and, on the other hand, permits muscle relaxation with a simultaneous training effect. This object is achieved by the training mat according to independent claim 1, an arrangement of training mats according to independent claim 18, and the use of a training mat according to independent claim 13. Further embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

A training mat according to the invention comprises an integrally expanded plastics material, in particular consisting of polyurethane. On what is a lower face during normal use, the training mat has a support surface. On what is an upper face during normal use, it has a standing surface. In addition, the training mat has one or more side walls, which can be arranged approximately perpendicular to the support surface. A cross-sectional surface, particularly located in an area or partial area of the integrally expanded plastics material, and arranged perpendicularly with respect to the support surface, is configured in an approximately wedge-shaped manner, such that the standing surface has a slope.

Here, and in the text below, approximately perpendicular is understood as an angle of 90°±20°, in particular of 90°±10°. Approximately in a wedge-shaped manner is understood in particular as a wedge shape known per se with a constant angle between the support surface and the standing surface. Both the support surface and also the standing surface can have a concave or convex curvature. It is likewise conceivable that the standing surface is composed of a plurality of surfaces with different angles. In addition, the wedge shape can be blunt at its point, i.e. cut off. Thus, the standing surface and the support surface do not directly intersect each other, but instead are spaced apart from each other in every position. It is likewise conceivable that the distance between support surface and standing surface at the thinnest and/or the thickest location of the wedge shape is continued farther in a constant manner, such that the wedge shape has an extension piece. In addition, a shape is also understood as wedge-shaped in which the standing surface corresponds approximately to a wing profile.

An angle of slope is understood as the angle between the support surface and the standing surface. If the support surface and/or the standing surface is not an effective or plane surface, then the angle of slope is understood as the angle that forms between tangents applied on the two surfaces, at the center of said surfaces.

By virtue of the fact that the training mat is composed of an integrally expanded plastics material, it can be produced in a particularly expedient manner. The plastic can be expanded directly in a suitable mold or else can be cut out from, for example, a square block. It has been found that polyurethane has advantageous properties such as high tear strength and is permanently elastic. In addition, expanded polyurethane has a high degree of resilience, can be greatly compressed and is extremely durable. Similar properties can, however, also be obtained with other expanded plastics.

It has been found that a training mat with an approximately wedge-shaped cross-sectional surface is particularly advantageous if the training mat is used for standing or walking on the spot, in particular for stamina training for the locomotor system, for cosmetic build-up and modeling of the muscle mass, for increasing a non-therapeutic capacity of the musculature, for increasing fitness, for relaxing the musculature, for increasing the sense of wellbeing, for cosmetic development of posture, and/or for cosmetic development of the human body, in particular of the chest, abdomen, legs and buttocks. Depending on the desired objective, the wedge-shaped training mat can be oriented sloping upward from the heel to the toes, from the toes to the heels, from left to right or from right to left. Likewise, an arrangement of two or more training mats can be combined with different orientations of the individual training mats.

The training mat can have an angle of slope of between 4° and 25°, in particular of between 6° and 20°, preferably of between 8° and 16°. It has been found that greater angles of slope are no longer found to be comfortable and accordingly disincline a user from using the training mat over a longer period of time. Similarly, the abovementioned effect is not present, or present only to a lesser extent, at smaller angles.

The training mat can have a roof shape with a ridge. The training mat is thus designed with a wedge shape on two sides. The angles of slope can be identical on both sides or can be different.

The training mat can have an angle of slope of between 12° and 60°, in particular of between 15° and 40°, preferably of between 20° and 30°. By means of such a shape, it is possible, for example, to stand with a swaying motion on the ridge of one training mat with a roof shape or of two training mats pushed together.

The plastics material can have an apparent density, measured as per DIN EN ISO 845, of between 99 kg/m3 and 121 kg/m3, in particular of between 104 kg/m3 and 116 kg/m3, preferably of between 108 kg/m3 and 112 kg/m3. The air fraction in the expanded plastics material is therefore correspondingly great, and, as a result, the plastics material is very flexible and soft.

The plastics material can have a compressive strength or a compressive stress at 40% compression, measured as per DIN EN ISO 3386-1, of between 15 kPa and 23 kPa, in particular of between 16.5 kPa and 21.5 kPa, preferably of between 18 kPa and 20 kPa. Harder plastics materials are felt to be uncomfortable after a time and fail to provide the desired training effect. A softer structure is no longer suitable for standing on, since such a training mat is easily pressed through.

The plastics material can have an air permeability, measured as per DIN EN ISO 9237 at a test pressure of 200 Pa, of greater than 10 l/m² s, in particular of greater than 25 l/m² s, preferably of greater than 40 l/m² s. Such an air permeability has the effect that the air can escape from the foam when the plastics material is pressed together, and only the plastics material as such is responsible for the compression or the compressive strength.

The plastics material can have a rebound resilience of >35%, preferably of >45%, particularly preferably of >50%. The rebound resilience is determined as follows: A ball with a diameter of 40 mm and with a weight of 262 g is dropped from a height of 1 m onto a plastics specimen with a thickness of 60 mm. The plastics specimen has at least a surface area of 100 mm×100 mm and is arranged on a solid support such that the ball impacts approximately at the center of the surface area. The rebound resilience is the ratio of the rebound height to the drop height of the ball, expressed as a percentage. Both the drop height and also the rebound height are measured as the distance between the underside of the ball and the upper face of the plastics specimen. It should be noted that, in the case of plastics specimens having a smaller thickness or less compressive strength, it is necessary to use a ball with less weight, since otherwise the ball crashes through the plastics specimen. The measured values that are obtained with a lighter ball are not really comparable to the measured values of said ball with a diameter of 40 mm and a weight of 262 g. A high degree of rebound resilience gives a pleasantly soft walking sensation when lifting the foot since the foot rises as if from a trampoline. Independently of the step frequency, an opposing force of the training mat is exerted on the foot even during highly dynamic exercises.

The plastics material can have a tensile strength, measured as per DIN EN ISO 1798, of at least 210 kPa, in particular of at least 250 kPa, preferably of at least 290 kPa.

The plastics material can have an elongation at break, measured as per DIN EN ISO 1798, of at least 126%, in particular of at least 150%, preferably of at least 175%. A tensile strength and elongation at break guarantee a robust training mat with durable performance.

The training mat can have a thickness of at least 15 mm at its thinnest location. The thinnest location is understood as the location where the support surface and the standing surface come closest to each other. By virtue of the fact that a thickness of at least 15 mm is always guaranteed, it is possible to ensure that, independently of the standing position of a user, the amount of expanded foam material under the foot of the user is always at least precisely such that the training mat has its resilient property in each case. It is in particular possible to prevent a situation where a foot or a part of a foot passes through the training mat all the way to the floor located under the training mat. It is also possible to prevent the formation of a sharp edge susceptible to damage.

The training mat can have a thickness of at most 120 mm at its thickest location. The thickest location is understood as the location where the support surface and the standing surface are spaced farthest apart from each other. The thickness is measured perpendicular to the support surface. The maximum thickness of 120 mm minimizes the risk of accidents due to inadvertently stepping down from the training mat or due to twisting the foot by only partially stepping onto the training mat.

The training mat can be designed in the shape of a roof and can have a ridge in the central area. In the area of the ridge, the training mat can be made thicker than 120 mm, since an inclined side face adjoins it on both sides. Thus, a maximum thickness of up to 300 mm is conceivable for a training mat designed in the shape of a roof.

The base of the training mat can have any desired shape, in particular a square or a rectangular shape. Round shapes are also conceivable. It has been found that the minimum surface area of the training mat in the case of a square shape measures 400 mm×400 mm. Preferably, however, the square base has a dimension of 500 mm×500 mm. Particularly in the case of rectangular designs, dimensions of 500 mm×1,000 mm are preferred. However, it is also conceivable for other dimensions to be used. Thus, for example, a combination of two training mats each of 250 mm×500 mm is conceivable, in which the two thin sides or the two thick sides are oriented toward each other. In the case of training mats with a rectangular base, the thin side or the thick side is preferably arranged on a long side, such that the wedge shape extends across the broad side.

The standing surface of the training mat can be provided with graphic elements which, however, do not influence the stated properties of the plastics material or do so only minimally. For example, an optimal positioning of the feet can be printed onto the standing surface. Alternatively, an entire training program can be presented pictorially on the standing surface.

The surface of the training mat can be provided with a special structure which, in addition to the stimulation of movement through the soft plastics material, also actively stimulates the blood circulation in the sole of the foot. Such a surface can be obtained, for example, by a grain structure additionally applied to the expanded plastics material or alternatively by means of a suitably configured cover over the training mat. Such a cover preferably has an elasticity and extensibility, such that the aforementioned properties of the plastics material are influenced only slightly, if at all. Such a cover can also be provided with the graphic elements mentioned.

Alternatively or in addition to a cover, a protective layer can also be applied directly to the plastics material. This protective layer has a maximum thickness of 2 mm, preferably of 1 mm, particularly preferably of between 0.2 and 0.5 mm. The material of the protective layer can be composed on an identical basis to the plastics material of the training mat, or a completely different material can be used. For example, PVC, rubber or a textile fabric is suitable for this purpose. Such a protective layer can be applied directly to the plastics material of the training mat or can subsequently be connected to the training mat, for example by adhesive bonding or by welding. It will be appreciated that such a protective layer is also configured such that the aforementioned properties of the plastics material are influenced only slightly, if at all.

A use according to the invention of a wedge-shaped training mat, in particular of a training mat as described above, for standing or walking on the spot alternatively comprises one or more of the following purposes:

-   -   stamina training for the locomotor system,     -   cosmetic build-up and modeling of the muscle mass,     -   increasing a non-therapeutic capacity of the musculature,     -   increasing fitness,     -   relaxing the musculature,     -   enhancing the sense of wellbeing,     -   cosmetic development of posture,     -   cosmetic development of the human body, in particular of the         chest, abdomen, legs and buttocks.

It has been found, for example, that standing or walking on the spot for at least 5 minutes a day provides good stamina training for the entire locomotor system. The decisive factor leading to this training effect is the soft elastic property of the expanded plastics material, which prevents static standing on the foot. The user has to keep his feet and his locomotor system constantly in motion and seek to maintain his balance. Stamina training is thus completed unconsciously. As a result of the constant and gentle training of the locomotor system, non-esthetic postures can be prevented, and the posture can accordingly be cosmetically developed. In addition, such training can increase the non-therapeutic capacity of the musculature, in particular of the deep musculature, and improve general fitness. Through the gentle use of the musculature, deep relaxation can be achieved, particularly if one lies down after such training The general sense of wellbeing can be enhanced.

Through more prolonged use, it is even possible to specifically build up and model the muscle mass.

The training mat can be oriented such that the thickness of the training mat in a heel area is greater than the thickness of the training mat in a toe area of a user. For example, muscle tension in the region of the lumbar spine is relieved by such positioning. In addition, the abdominal muscles are unconsciously stressed and trained.

Correspondingly, the training mat can also be oriented such that the thickness of the training mat in a heel area is less than the thickness of the training mat in a toe area of a user. In this way, the posterior muscle regions are stretched, in particular the iliopsoas musculature. The thoracic spine straightens, which leads to opening of the thoracic cage and to more relaxed breathing.

In a special use, the training mat can be oriented such that the thickness of the training mat in an area of a first foot is greater than the thickness of the training mat in an area of a second foot of a user. Such an arrangement can, particularly with alternating orientation, relieve tension in the muscles of the back. For example, such an orientation is also ideal when the legs are of different lengths, since the difference in length can be compensated.

Through the use of two or more training mats arranged alongside one another, with at least two training mats being oriented differently, other forms of exercise or training can also be achieved, for example targeted training of the muscles of the plantar arch.

Through the use of a roof-shaped training mat or of two training mats placed together at the thick side, the ridge, or the resulting ridge, can be arranged in the metatarsal region of the foot, such that a swaying motion is permitted. By means of the permanent balancing, the coordination of different muscle groups is improved. Combinations of the abovementioned training effects are also possible, depending on whether the foot lies more to the front of or to the rear of the ridge on the training mat.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures which depict only illustrative embodiments and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a view of a training mat according to the invention in a first embodiment,

FIG. 2 a shows a view of a training mat according to the invention in a second embodiment, with a concave standing surface,

FIG. 2 b shows a view of a training mat according to the invention in a third embodiment, with a convex standing surface,

FIG. 3 shows a view of a training mat according to the invention in a further embodiment, with a standing surface similar to a wing profile,

FIG. 4 shows a view of a training mat according to the invention in a further embodiment, with a standing surface having continuations at the thinnest and the thickest location,

FIG. 5 shows a view of an arrangement according to the invention with two training mats in a first embodiment,

FIG. 6 a shows a view of an arrangement according to the invention with two training mats in a second embodiment, and

FIG. 6 b shows a view of an arrangement according to the invention with two training mats in a third embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows a view of a training mat 1 according to the invention in a first embodiment. The training mat 1 consists of an expanded polyurethane and, during normal use, has a support surface 2 on its underside. The top is designed as a standing surface 3. A person using the training mat stands with his feet on this standing surface 3. In addition, the training mat shown has four side surfaces 4, 4′, 4″, 4′″, which protrude at a right angle from the support surface. The hatching indicates a cross-sectional surface 5 which has approximately a wedge shape. The cross-sectional surface 5 is not shaped to form a pointed wedge at the thinnest location 6 of the training mat 1; the point is instead cut off and ends in the side surface 4′″. From its thinnest location 6 to the thickest location 7, the training mat 1 has an angle of slope α, which measures a constant 8.5°. It will be appreciated that other angles of slope are also possible. The support surface of the training mat is square with a side length of 400 mm. In addition, the thickness of the training mat varies between 20 mm and 80 mm between its thinnest location 6 and the thickest location 7.

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b each show a view of a training mat 1 according to the invention in a further embodiment, respectively with a concave standing surface 3 and with a convex standing surface 3. Both training mats 1 have an angle of slope α which measures 8.5°. The angle of slope α is in each case measured in the central area between the thinnest location and the thickest location of the training mat 1 at a tangent to the standing surface 3. The effective angle of slope can be varied depending on the position of the user.

FIG. 3 shows a view of a training mat 1 according to the invention in a further embodiment, with a standing surface 3 which is designed like a wing profile. As has already been described with reference to FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, the angle of slope α is measured at a tangent in the central area of the training mat 1. In the case of a standing surface 3 with approximately the profile of a wing, a particularly large number of possible variations are available to the user through a suitable choice of position. Thus, for example, besides the purely sloping variation, a position can also be adopted in which only the heel of the user sinks into the plastics material of the training mat 1, while the toes are held free in the air.

FIG. 4 shows a view of a training mat 1 according to the invention in a further embodiment, with a standing surface 3 having continuations 8 at the thinnest location 6 and the thickest location 7. It will be appreciated here that these continuations 8 are not only able to extend parallel to the support surface 2 but can also extend at another angle.

The embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 all have an angle of slope α in just one direction, i.e. parallel to a side surface. However, it is also conceivable that the training mat according to the invention has an angle of slope in a diagonal direction for example. Such a training mat could, for example, run to a point at the thickest location.

FIG. 5 shows a view of an arrangement according to the invention with two training mats 1, 1′ in a first embodiment. Here, the two training mats 1, 1′ are oriented with respect to each other such that the two training mats touch each other at their thickest locations 7, 7′. Alternatively, the training mats 1, 1′ can also be arranged such that they touch each other at the thinnest locations 6, 6′. This arrangement is shown in FIG. 6 a.

FIG. 6 b shows a view of an arrangement according to the invention with two training mats 1, 1′ in a further embodiment, in which the training mats 1, 1′ do not touch each other via a side surface at the thickest or thinnest location, but instead via a side surface arranged between these side surfaces. Thus, for example, one foot of a user can stand on an upwardly sloping standing surface 3, while the second foot is positioned on a downwardly sloping standing surface 3′.

It will be appreciated that the training mats 1, 1′ do not necessarily have to touch each other. It is also conceivable that the training mats 1, 1′ are arranged at a distance from each other. The distance between them can be deliberately left empty or can alternatively be filled with a suitable intermediate piece. 

1-18. (canceled)
 19. A training mat comprising an integrally expanded plastics material with a support surface, a standing surface and a plurality of side surfaces, wherein a cross-sectional surface perpendicular to the support surface is configured approximately in a wedge-shaped manner.
 20. The training mat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the training mat has a roof shape with a ridge.
 21. The training mat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the training mat has an angle of slope of between 4° and 25°.
 22. The training mat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the training mat has an angle of slope of between 12° and 60°.
 23. The training mat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the plastics material has an apparent density of between 99 kg/m3 and 121 kg/m3.
 24. The training mat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the plastics material has a compressive stress of between 15 kPa and 23 kPa.
 25. The training mat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the plastics material has an air permeability of greater than 10 l/m2s.
 26. The training mat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the plastics material has a rebound resilience of >35%.
 27. The training mat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the plastics material has a tensile strength of at least 210 kPa.
 28. The training mat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the plastics material has an elongation at break of at least 126%.
 29. The training mat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the training mat has a thickness of at least 15 mm at its thinnest location.
 30. The training mat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the training mat has a thickness of at most 120 mm at its thickest location.
 31. A use of a wedge-shaped training mat, as claimed in claim 19, for standing or walking on the spot alternatively for one or more of the following purposes: stamina training for the locomotor system, cosmetic build-up and modeling of the muscle mass, increasing a non-therapeutic capacity of the musculature, increasing fitness, relaxing the musculature, enhancing the sense of wellbeing, cosmetic development of posture, cosmetic development of the human body.
 32. The use as claimed in claim 31, wherein the training mat is oriented such that the thickness of the training mat in a heel area is greater than the thickness of the training mat in a toe area of a user.
 33. The use as claimed in claim 31, wherein the training mat is oriented such that the thickness of the training mat in a heel area is less than the thickness of the training mat in toe area of a user.
 34. The use as claimed in claim 31, wherein the training mat is oriented such that the thickness of the training mat in an area of a first foot is greater than the thickness of the training mat in an area of a second foot of a user.
 35. The use of at least two training mats as claimed in claim 31, wherein at least two training mats are oriented differently.
 36. An arrangement of at least two training mats as claimed in claim 19, wherein at least two training mats are oriented differently. 